Schools across the national capital resumed regular classes on Thursday after the winter holiday break, marking a return to routine for thousands of students and teachers. The reopening comes amid continued cold wave conditions in the city, with schools implementing precautionary measures to ensure student safety during the chilly mornings.
From early hours, school gates in different parts of Delhi witnessed the familiar sight of students arriving in warm uniforms, sweaters, jackets, and woollen caps. Parents accompanied younger children, while school buses and vans operated at full capacity after a brief pause during the holidays. Attendance, according to school administrators, remained steady, though some institutions reported slightly delayed arrivals due to fog and cold weather.
Officials from the Delhi Directorate of Education stated that schools have been advised to strictly follow winter safety guidelines. Morning assemblies are being shortened or shifted indoors, and outdoor activities during the first few hours of the day have been limited. Schools have also been instructed to remain flexible with timings if weather conditions worsen.
Teachers said the first day back focused largely on reorientation rather than academic pressure. “We are revising lessons covered before the break and helping students settle back into the school rhythm,” said a senior teacher at a government school in East Delhi. Many private schools also adopted a light academic schedule, prioritising interaction, revision, and classroom engagement.
Parents expressed mixed reactions to the reopening. While many welcomed the return to normalcy and structured learning, some raised concerns about young children stepping out in extreme cold. “We’ve made sure our child is properly layered and has hot food packed,” said a parent outside a school in South Delhi. Several parents added that regular schooling is important, but safety should remain the top priority during winter.
Health experts have advised parents to ensure children are well protected against cold-related illnesses. Adequate layering, proper footwear, and warm meals are essential, especially for students who travel long distances. Doctors have also cautioned against sending children to school if they show symptoms of fever, severe cold, or respiratory discomfort.
According to the India Meteorological Department, Delhi continues to experience cold wave conditions with low minimum temperatures and dense fog during early morning hours. Visibility issues have affected road traffic, prompting schools to advise parents and transport operators to drive cautiously and avoid rushing during drop-off times.
School transport services have also taken additional precautions. Bus drivers have been instructed to use fog lights, reduce speed, and ensure timely but safe pick-ups. Some schools reported adjusting transport schedules slightly to account for traffic delays caused by fog.
For senior students, especially those in Classes 10 and 12, the reopening marks an important phase as they prepare for upcoming board examinations. Teachers have begun revision plans and doubt-clearing sessions, while schools are also offering counselling support to help students manage academic pressure after the break.
The Delhi Government has reiterated that student well-being remains central to all decisions. Officials confirmed that schools will continue to monitor weather conditions closely and take necessary steps, including possible timing adjustments, if the cold intensifies further.
Education experts believe that a balanced approach is essential during winter months. “Regular schooling supports learning continuity, but flexibility is equally important during extreme weather,” said an education consultant. Many schools have echoed this view, assuring parents that attendance-related concerns due to severe cold will be handled sensitively.
As Delhi settles back into its academic routine, schools, parents, and authorities are working together to ensure that education continues smoothly without compromising the health and safety of students during the ongoing winter spell.
